2018 Smith-Haut-Lafitte Le Petit Haut Lafitte

Bordeaux Blend - 750ML
Reg: $44.94
$39.94
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ETA: Mar. 2025
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REVIEWS

DC 93 JL 93 VN 93 JS 92 WS 92 JD 91 WA 91
DC 93

Decanter, November 2020

Beautiful depth, density and complexity, and a lovely spice, along with softer touches of floral aromatics. Successfully holds juice and tension through the palate. A clear feeling of family relation to its bigger...
JL 93

TheWineCellarInsider.com, March 2021

Cigar box, cedar, tobacco leaf, flowers, blackberry, currants, licorice, vanilla and dark cherry aromatics create the nose. On the palate, the wine is round,, soft, polished and fresh with good sweetness to the fruits...
VN 93

Vinous, March 2021

Cabernet Sauvignon takes center stage in the 2018 Le Petit Haut Lafitte. A powerful, deep wine, the 2018 possesses terrific energy as well as a good deal of Cabernet savoriness. I would prefer to cellar it for at least a...
JS 92

jamessuckling.com, January 2021

Aromas of blackberries, blueberries and fresh herbs follow through to a full body with lots of ripe fruit and a long, flavorful finish. A little warm and slightly bitter at the end. But it shows structure and intensity...
WS 92

Wine Spectator, March 2021

Ripe and inviting, with waves of crushed plum, blackberry and black currant fruit coursing along, inlaid with a tarry spine and backed by anise, applewood and alder through the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best...
JD 91

jebdunnuck.com, March 2021

Checking in as 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, the 2018 Le Petit Haut Lafitte is a terrific second wine with a complex, nuanced style in its darker currant fruits as well as notes of cedarwood, tobacco, and...
WA 91

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, March 2021

Composed of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot matured in 20% new barriques, the 2018 Le Petit Haut Lafitte has a medium to deep garnet-purple color and expressive notions of crushed black plums, fresh blackberries and...

WINE DETAILS

Color & Type Red
Varietal Bordeaux Blend
Country France
Region Bordeaux
Sub-region Pessac Leognan
Vintage 2018
Size 750ML
Percent alcohol 14.5%

As early as 1365, grapes have been grown on the property now known as Smith-Haut-Lafitte. Originally owned by the noble Bosq family, the estate was purchased in the 18th century by Scotsman George Smith. Its present name was taken from Smith and the Pessac region’s gravel plateau known as Lafitte.

In 1842, Mr. Duffour-Dubergier, mayor of Bordeaux and an enthusiastic winegrower, inherited Chateau Smith-Haut-Lafitte from his mother and brought the wine up to great growth status. The property changed hands again in 1958 when it was purchased by the Louis Eschenauer Company. After the Eschenaueur period came to an end, a great deal of money has been invested in the estate, particularly on the construction of a superb underground cellar holding over 1,000 barrels.

In 1990, Daniel Cathiard fell in love with the property and joined the list of prestigious owners, firmly intending to further enhance Smith-Haut-Lafitte's tradition of excellence. He combined the most modern winemaking techniques with age-old artisanal methods, including organic compost, small wooden vats, and lees-aging. Famous around the world for its wonderfully elegant red wine and the sophisticated bouquet of its white wine, Smith-Haut-Lafitte undoubtedly deserves the special care that is lavished on it.

Introducing the 2018 Smith-Haut-Lafitte Le Petit Haut Lafitte, a captivating Bordeaux Blend that hails from the renowned Pessac Leognan sub-region in Bordeaux, France. This exquisite red wine exudes elegance and finesse, displaying the mastery of winemaking by the esteemed producer, Smith-Haut-Lafitte.

In the glass, the wine showcases a deep, garnet-purple color that catches the eye and hints at the richness within. The nose is an aromatic symphony, with notes of cigar box, cedar, and tobacco leaf intertwining with the allure of flowers, blackberry, currants, licorice, vanilla, and dark cherry. It is a sensory journey that captivates the senses and sets the stage for a truly remarkable tasting experience.

On the palate, Le Petit Haut Lafitte reveals its true character. It is round, soft, and polished, enveloping the palate with its velvety texture. The fruits exhibit a delightful sweetness, displaying excellent concentration and depth. The finish is long and memorable, leaving a lasting impression of cocoa, cherries, licorice, spice, and a hint of espresso. It is a wine that lingers on the palate, inviting contemplation and appreciation.

This vintage of Le Petit Haut Lafitte has received high praise from esteemed wine critics. With a score of 93 points, it is clear that this is a top-notch offering. Jeb Dunnuck commends its complex and nuanced style, highlighting the interplay of darker currant fruits, cedarwood, tobacco, and truffle. Decanter recognizes its beautiful depth, density, and complexity, drawing parallels to its esteemed sibling, Smith Haut Lafitte.

With its 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot blend, Le Petit Haut Lafitte exemplifies the artistry of Bordeaux winemaking. It is a wine that showcases the potential of the region, offering a glimpse into the terroir and craftsmanship that have made Bordeaux wines legendary.

For those who appreciate the finer things in life, the 2018 Smith-Haut-Lafitte Le Petit Haut Lafitte is an absolute must-try. It is a wine that will reward patience, as it has the potential to age gracefully for at least 12 years or more. Whether enjoyed now or set aside for future indulgence, this Bordeaux blend is a true gem that embodies the essence of French winemaking at its finest.